Speakers Reviews

I know someone who has the Bose 301 Direct/Reflecting speakers and the JBL's put the Bose to shame. I have heard speakers that have cost up to $5,000 and I honestly believe these sound very similar. I bought the beech series and like them a lot more then the black ones due to the fact the wood blends well with the woofers and the cast-aluminum frames. These are a must buy for anyone who is looking high quality pair of bookshelf speakers that don't cost as much as a KIA.

I wish to take a moment to giggle in glee over my new speakers.

Heeheehee.

My good pal Greg bought a pair of the hideous beech version of these speakers and he was getting all showy with them because, well, we all couldn't help oohing and aahing over the glorious surround sound he has achieved in his room. Fortunately, I came on Amazon.com and found that these really cool looking black versions were available, so I trapsed out and purchased me a couple of sets. Two around the bed, one by the door, one on the shelf, and BAM! we're rolling. And now I giggle, for Greg is as jealous as can be, because his speakers look like dirty cinder blocks and mine look like Monaco headlights.

Don't be a freak, give in to your inner geek! Once you go black, you ain't never going to go back. Now, excuse me while I go listen to my Jai Uttal and gloat. Hahaha!

Although they are a bit larger than I wanted, the sound from these speakers is the best I have heard. Extremely clear at high or low volume for Coltrane or Zeppelin. I sat for hours in front of them slipping in CD after CD and marvelled at the clarity and depth. They also sound great from other rooms--they virtually fill space with sound. This is definitely one of the best buys you can make in a bookshelf speaker. They out-Bose Bose by a long shot and the price is truly incredible for this quality.

I know someone who has the Bose 301 Direct/Reflecting speakers and the JBL's put the Bose to shame. I have heard speakers that have cost up to $5,000 and I honestly believe these sound very similar. I bought the beech series and like them a lot more then the black ones due to the fact the wood blends well with the woofers and the cast-aluminum frames. These are a must buy for anyone who is looking high quality pair of bookshelf speakers that don't cost as much as a KIA.

I wish to take a moment to giggle in glee over my new speakers.

Heeheehee.

My good pal Greg bought a pair of the hideous beech version of these speakers and he was getting all showy with them because, well, we all couldn't help oohing and aahing over the glorious surround sound he has achieved in his room. Fortunately, I came on Amazon.com and found that these really cool looking black versions were available, so I trapsed out and purchased me a couple of sets. Two around the bed, one by the door, one on the shelf, and BAM! we're rolling. And now I giggle, for Greg is as jealous as can be, because his speakers look like dirty cinder blocks and mine look like Monaco headlights.

Don't be a freak, give in to your inner geek! Once you go black, you ain't never going to go back. Now, excuse me while I go listen to my Jai Uttal and gloat. Hahaha!

Although they are a bit larger than I wanted, the sound from these speakers is the best I have heard. Extremely clear at high or low volume for Coltrane or Zeppelin. I sat for hours in front of them slipping in CD after CD and marvelled at the clarity and depth. They also sound great from other rooms--they virtually fill space with sound. This is definitely one of the best buys you can make in a bookshelf speaker. They out-Bose Bose by a long shot and the price is truly incredible for this quality.

I know someone who has the Bose 301 Direct/Reflecting speakers and the JBL's put the Bose to shame. I have heard speakers that have cost up to $5,000 and I honestly believe these sound very similar. I bought the beech series and like them a lot more then the black ones due to the fact the wood blends well with the woofers and the cast-aluminum frames. These are a must buy for anyone who is looking high quality pair of bookshelf speakers that don't cost as much as a KIA.

I wish to take a moment to giggle in glee over my new speakers.

Heeheehee.

My good pal Greg bought a pair of the hideous beech version of these speakers and he was getting all showy with them because, well, we all couldn't help oohing and aahing over the glorious surround sound he has achieved in his room. Fortunately, I came on Amazon.com and found that these really cool looking black versions were available, so I trapsed out and purchased me a couple of sets. Two around the bed, one by the door, one on the shelf, and BAM! we're rolling. And now I giggle, for Greg is as jealous as can be, because his speakers look like dirty cinder blocks and mine look like Monaco headlights.

Don't be a freak, give in to your inner geek! Once you go black, you ain't never going to go back. Now, excuse me while I go listen to my Jai Uttal and gloat. Hahaha!

Although they are a bit larger than I wanted, the sound from these speakers is the best I have heard. Extremely clear at high or low volume for Coltrane or Zeppelin. I sat for hours in front of them slipping in CD after CD and marvelled at the clarity and depth. They also sound great from other rooms--they virtually fill space with sound. This is definitely one of the best buys you can make in a bookshelf speaker. They out-Bose Bose by a long shot and the price is truly incredible for this quality.

These speakers are definitely classy in look and sound. I've read reviews about Harmon Kardon both good and bad but as far as these speakers go, it far outweighs any bad reviews about other products. I highly recommend these for people who want great sound for a low price and without hassle.

Absolutely thrilled with these speakers...got a great price for a superb product! Easy to set up, huge sound, and classy look. The set up was a no brainer as the five step process is explained with pictures--no words necessary. In addition, the ports and plugs are color coded to make it that much easier. The subwoofer provides a nice boom that rattles your bones without waking the neighbors (I think)!

When I first received these speakers, the speakers themselves seemed really small. But, once I plugged them in, they produced great quality audio. I could blast them up, and it sounded much better than the JBL 2 speaker set I had before.

I use these speakers for movies and mp3s. Although I'm not very picky on audio quality, I'm sure that these speakers would satisfy anyone wanting great audio who isn't a audiophile.

There's one problem I have with these speakers: there's no headphones jack from the speakers.

Other things that you might want to know if you are considering this unit:
Power button is at the back of the subwoofer.
Speakers are light and small; you can knock them over easily.
Bass and Treble controls are on the front of the subwoofer.
Volume Control is on top of the front right speaker.

Ok, I never thought I would write this about computer speakers.. If you dont have a woop (...) set of computer speakers, then buy these.. if you have to wonder if you do.. then you dont. If you have these Altecs you will understand that... Now down to the details, amazon.com got these to me ASAP and for free.. thanks amazon. Next, let me tell you that my first pair came from circuit city but i paid about fifty clams more:( but i have now purchased 5 yes 5 more pair from amazon. I gave them to a few emplyees as a gift. and another pair for my home computer. Dont sit too close to these and crank them as hard as they will go. They can play clean and undistorted to a higher level than your ears can bear. I first opened them, disappointed to see MADE IN CHINA after about 3 minutes of listening I have changed my opinion of MADE IN CHINA. Stop reading this and buy a pair. (...) gosh my ears are ringing..

Just got these speakers from Amazon and I have to say, "Wow!" I'm a music lover/stereophile who is picky about sound quality. These speakers replaced an aging set of Altec Lansing ACS53 speakers from the mid 90's. I used to be a snob, doubting that a set of computer speakers could measure up to the sound I got out of my high-end home system. Boy, was I wrong. I base this review on how it sounds with music, everything from classical, piano, vocals to rap and techno. I didn't try it with movies or games... they're not my thing on my computer.

The difference between the old and the new speakers is night and day. The highs and the mids are crystal clear without harshness, buzziness or coloration. The lows are powerful, punchy and tight, not boomy or muddled. Amazing 2.1 sound quality. Not nearly up to par with the high end rig that I have in the living room. But for a small fraction of the price, to even be mentioned in the same sentence is truly amazing. Plus, I can enjoy them while working on my computer instead of having to take time out to enjoy the home rig.

I was debating between these and the the Klipsch ProMedia GMX A-2.1. Though I can't comment about the Klipsch speakers, I have to say that, if you value music, for the price you can't go wrong with these Altec Lansings. Great for the computer/music lover or iPod user.

Three warnings:
1. The satellites are tippy and may fall forward if not secured.
2. You will want to start ripping songs at higher bit rates. Lower bit rates won't do them justice. You'll be able to hear the difference. Crappy recordings will sound like crap. High quality will sound like high quality.
3. Your neighbors will hate you from all the loud music coming from your place.

Good luck and enjoy.

Before buying these speakers I read just about every review on every speaker on Amazon. You have to be very skeptical about reviews because some are shills (from the competing manufacturers). My first set of Altec Lansing speakers for my home stereo system I bought 14 years ago with 15" subwoofers. I haven't purchased a pair of Altec Lansing since so I wasn't sure if they retained their standard of perfection. But I can see that my worries were unfounded. The sound is absolutely crisp and as clear as you'll get for computer speakers. I listen to everything from classical to hard rock to Ottmar Leibert (except rap, which I refuse to de-genius myself by doing) and the sound quality is consistent. I was considering Klipsch speakers, but after hearing them at the store there was no doubt that Altec Lansing was the clear winner for my ear.

The JBL line reflects quality, especially at the studio reference level. The S-center is reference quality, and will hold its own with any $200+ center speaker(Klipsch nips the JBL with the horn driver however if you like it LOUD..). All vocals and center stage is clear and defined, no blurring or high end loss, altho you need a subwoofer or strong front speakers to fill out the bass. I paired the JBL S-center with front JBL Century 100s(1970's era) and a pair of Yamaha (cheap) surrounds and have all the theater I need. You will need a solid set of front speakers to match the JBL S-center, or you will need to restrict the power to the JBL as it WILL make its presence heard. My listening area is 10ftx12ft so small, so I rarely stretch the JBL's audio limits. I am convinced it would hold up to a room much larger with no problem/distortion/etc. And this is the beauty of the JBL in that it is clear and responsive even at extremely low listening levels as well. If you want something loud, go with the Klipsch horn driven center. But if you listen at a lower level, the JBL is the answer. And the price is correct for a quality JBL product. Easy to connect, nice looking, solid performer, quality built in, good support from the JBL folks. Buy it.

Really great sound and a perfect match for JBL's S38's, which I got 2 pairs and use as my surrounds.

There is no need to compare. This will the the job just fine. I have been looking for a center speaker for the past 5 years. I finally found this one last year 2000. It is very clear. I always felt the center speaker was the weak link in my system. After 4 center speakers in 5 years. This is the one I really like. The one it replaced was the N-center by JBL, I had that for 2 months. I learned that one can not really test speakers at a shop (high end or low end). Its just buying and trying it at home.

I was iniatially sceptical of the sound quality considerning the price, but after comparing with more expensive JAMO , KEF, ONKYO, YAMAHA speakers I was totally seduced by the quality of these speakers. This truly deserves all 5 stars. I am already awaiting for my 2nd set for the office!

I put this system in my living room which is about 300 square feet and these speakers are ridiculous. The brick mortar in my condo literally flakes off the surface from the bass. The surround is awesome and you have to be pretty into music to say that the highs are lacking. I listen to music with the system and have absolutely no complaints. I recommend it to everyone.

I wanted nice sound at an affordable price. I asked for a recommendation from a family member who designs and installs home theaters. They highly recommended JBL. I didn't think I could touch the price of a JBL speaker system. And when I saw the SCS150 system I was perhaps a little skeptical as to whether I was getting a bottom of the line system from JBL. I can tell you that they are absolutely fantastic! And what does that family member think who deals with home theater every day, you may wonder? They share the same view. Don't be afraid of this system, you'll be extremely happy if you want superb sound at an affordable price!

I recently got this product little doubtful of how good it was. I am awstruck that it can deliver so much bass. i love it i would recomend to all who need to add the .1 in their audio, you wont be disapointed

All I can say is "WOW". It's a great speaker at a great price. In particular, the frequency response is outstanding. The continuously variable crossover is nice and it has plenty of power--I usually only have it up 1/4 of the way or less and my windows still rattle! The sound is deep and very rich. If I ever have need of another sub, I'd get another one of these for sure. You will not be upset with this speaker (unless you hate the color black in your movie room).

After doing alot of research and reading numerous reviews, I chose the SAWM40 as the subwoofer to round out my home theater speaker system. As noted by other reviewers, this sub is big (14-1/4"W x 16-7/8"H x 16-1/2"D) so you may want to contemplate where in the room you'll place it so that it isn't a visual focal point. (I placed mine behind one of my floor standing speakers so that it's not visible from the front viewing angles).

The Sony has good sound (with a 12" long-throw woofer) and dynamic range (20-170hz) but as you'll note from reviews elsewhere on the web, like audioreview, it sounds a little boomy right out the box. If you perform a simple ... modification, however, by adding more polyfill fiber, the bass tightens and you can turn down the volume (assuming your center and front speakers are large enough to handle some bass). With the mod., the sub's sound is excellent. The sub comes with additional features that other subs in its price range don't have: line level input and output, speaker level inputs and outputs, a phase switch, and signal-sensing power on/off. I don't bother using this latter feature because the sub clicks when it's powering back on and there's a slight delay before the bass reappears.

The only other caution I would provide is that you'll probably want to replace the audio cable that comes with the subwoofer. It's not that long so your placement options would be limited. I replaced mine with a Monster sub cable which is shielded and works well.

If you can afford B&W, NHT, or Velodyne speakers, then by all means lay down the cash. But if you're looking for the most bang for the buck and you don't want to spend more on your sub than you do on your mortgage, then you can't miss with this Sony.

The fair market value of ~$75.00 for these speakers is quite attractive, never-the-less, I returned my set a week after purchase and I will tell you why.

1) Sound quality is marginal at best. The highs are only apparent & clear if you turn the bass down to about 15-20% and the treble to about 55-60%. Without this adjustment, the sound is quite muddy and highs are lost to the droning lows. If you listen to these speakers next to Klipsch 2.1's ($140) or Creative's 250D's ($125) you will be amazed at the difference in accuracy and clarity. Now, admittedly, the VS4121's are half the price (roughly) but the difference is well worth the increase in QUALITY sound considering more and more of our entertainment is computer based (for instance - my entire audio collection is on my drive).

* Sidenote for your understanding: I listen to a great deal of Electronic which has a wide frequency range. Highs are extremely important. These speakers couldn't keep up. I also had a problem with 1 single track where low's were cutting out all together.

2) The manufacturer warns of a detectable buz or hum from the sub if the a/c current in your home operates @ 60 cycles. This is picked up and transmitted through the sub whether your speakers are connected to an audio source or not. This problem is WITHOUT REMEDY. My house was built in 1998 (relatively new) yet this became an enormous problem, regardless of where I plugged them in. The manual says that it's only detectable at low levels or with no audio source. A track would end and I would hear bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz until the next track began or I shut the speakers off completely. I don't experience this problem with any other speakers (multimedia or otherwise) in my home.

3) For the price (MSRP of $129.00), a remote (wired or wireless) would be a wonderful upgrade. You may not realize but reaching for the satellite to adjust EQ and volume is troublesome especially considering they need adjustment quite frequently.

Other than these gripes, the finish of the sub and satellites is quite nice and the audio cables are longer than they were on the old ATP3's which helps with configuration options.

I went into Best Buy to look at expensive receivers to replace my old broken down one, and decided to take a look at some computer speakers as I listen to all my music and watch all my movies through my PC. It took me all of 30 seconds to decide to buy these speakers instead. I couldn't believe the sound that was I was hearing. The Bose speakers positioned right next to them (that were the same price) didn't sound nearly as good. Both low and high sounds come off crystal clear. These speakers, combined with a Sound Blaster Audigy provide an incredible sound experience rivaling high end audio systems costing hundreds more. In other words, I would recommend these speakers.

I purchased these speakers for my dad as a Father's Day gift. After I gave him the gift, I then had to put everything together: The quick connect guide included with the set made the installation easy! I had everything connected w/i 5 minutes.

My Dad wanted to play one of his favorite CDs to break in the speakers. After we popped in the CD and pressed play, the sound was eye-popping! My jaw dropped and I listened with excitement. The bass had the whole room shaking wall to wall. The highs are crystal clear too.

I'm sure there are other speakers that you could buy that cost over $100 and could do the job better. But for the $99 I spent for this set, I believe that I purchased the best buy.

I mounted four of these speakers in an old truck--two on the floor and two behind the bench seat all hooked up to a cheap, 100 watt amp boosting that old, original factory radio. They sounded great with volume output to spare. I wanted a heavy-duty setup that sounded good and didn't cost very much. They fit the bill nicely. I was going to add a small subwoofer, but that old truck took a dive on me. I have a much newer truck now with a nice-sounding factory stereo system, but I wish I had a place for these speakers still. Maybe I'll get another old truck...

Remarkably good speakers at a great price point.

I have several sets of these speakers, used in various indoor and outdoor applications. In each setting they have performed beyond expectation. Although the bass is not overpowering, it is adaquate. Otherwise, a well balance, versatile speaker.